Three dimensional sports pads and related methods for ornamenting a sports unimorn

ABSTRACT

A three dimensional pad for wearing under sports clothing to produce a desired image through the sports clothing includes a removable pad having a body with a front face and a rear face. A three dimensional image element is secured to the front face of the body whereby when the pad is positioned underneath an exposed fabric area of the sports clothing a desired image outline is produced.

This utility patent application claims the benefit of priority in U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/723,177, filed on Nov. 6,2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/755,208, filedon Jan. 22, 2013, the entirety of both disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to the sports equipment field and, moreparticularly, to pads, football pads and sports uniforms including athree dimensional image element for projecting through and ornamentingthe sports uniform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,521 to Freno et al. discloses a three dimensionalfabric design wherein novelty or decorative fabrics with printed imagesinclude foam plastic pads to provide a three dimensional effect. Moreparticularly, the foam pads are shaped to the outline of the printedimage and are sewn permanently in position. U.S. Reissued Pat. RE37,533to Beige et al. discloses costumes with semi-rigid fabric components aswell as a method of making the same.

Significantly, the underlying pads in the Freno et al. reference arepermanently secured to the back side of the fabric and are aligned witha design printed on the face of the fabric. Similarly, in the Beige etal. reference the semirigid components are a permanent part of thecostume. While such a construction is suited for adding threedimensional features to novelty or decorative fabrics and costumes,there is no disclosure in these references of ornamenting sportsuniforms such as football pants, football jerseys, or other sportsequipment with three dimensional ornamentation or embellishment.Further, the permanent attachment of the pads to the fabric explicitlytaught in these references is unsuited for such a purpose.

This document relates to a three dimensional pad for wearing undersports clothing to produce a desired image through that sports clothing.The pad includes a three dimensional image element that is secured tothe front face of the pad whereby when the pad is positioned underneatha tight fitting, exposed fabric area of the sports clothing an imageoutline is produced in the exposed fabric area. The three dimensionalimage element may be in the shape of a player number or a logo. Forpurposes of this document the term logo refers to letters, words,numbers, names, trademarks, mascots, images, stripes, designs and otherthree dimensional shapes that may commonly identify or be used byathletic teams, athletes and individuals. For purposes of this document“pad” includes football thigh pads, football shoulder pads, footballkidney pads, football tailbone pads, all other football pads, shinguards, knee pads, elbow pads, and all other pads associated with sportsin general.

SUMMARY

A three dimensional pad for wearing under sports clothing to produce adesired image through that sports clothing comprises a removable padincluding a body having a front face and a rear face, and a threedimensional image element that is secured to the front face of the bodywhereby when the pad is positioned underneath an exposed fabric area ofthe sports clothing an image outline is produced. In one possibleembodiment the three dimensional image element is in the shape of a logosuch as a team logo or player number. In yet another possible embodimentthe three dimensional image element is tapered outwardly from a centralarea toward an outer edge so that the central area projects a greaterdistance from the front face of the pad body than does the outer edge.

In accordance with an additional aspect, football pants are provided.Those football pants comprise a pants body including a pocket forreceiving a football pad and a removable football pad. The removablefootball pad includes a pad body having a front face, a rear face and athree dimensional image element secured to the front face. When the padis positioned in the pocket underneath an exposed fabric area of thosefootball pants, an image outline is produced in the exposed fabric area.That three dimensional image element may be provided in the shape of alogo such as a team logo. Further the three dimensional image elementmay be tapered outwardly from a central area toward an outer edge sothat the central area projects a greater distance from the front face ofthe pad body than does the outer edge.

In one possible embodiment the pocket is open at one end to allow thefootball pad to be inserted and removed from the pocket as desired. Inyet another possible embodiment, the exposed fabric area is a firstcolor and the image element is a second, different color that is darkerthan the first color and shows through the exposed fabric area. In stillanother possible embodiment the front face of the pad is also the firstcolor. In one possible embodiment that first color is white.

In accordance with an additional aspect, a method of promoting a sportsteam is provided. That method comprises the steps of wearing a pad witha three dimensional image element under sports clothing of the sportsteam, producing a three dimensional image or embellishment projectingthrough an exposed fabric area of the sports clothing overlying the padand providing that image in a shape of a logo. Still further that methodincludes using the exposed fabric area of the sports clothing having afirst color and the three dimensional image element having a secondcolor that is darker than the first color and shows through the exposedfabric area.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a method of ornamenting a sportsteam uniform is provided. That method comprises wearing a pad with athree dimensional image element under the sports team uniform andproducing a three dimensional image projecting through an exposed fabricarea of the sports team uniform overlying the pad. This method furtherincludes providing the image element in a shape of a logo such as a teamlogo. Alternatively, in another embodiment the method includes providingthe image element in a shape of a player number.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a kit is provided for ornamentinga sports uniform. The kit comprises a three dimensional image elementand a fastener that secures the image element to the sports uniform or apad worn under the sports uniform. The kit further includesinstructions. In one embodiment the three dimensional image element isin a shape of a logo. In another embodiment the three dimensional imageelement is in a shape of a player number.

In one embodiment the kit includes an adhesive. In one embodiment thekit includes a hook and loop fastener. The adhesive, the hook and loopfastener or any other means may be utilized to secure the threedimensional image element to the sports uniform or a pad worn under asports uniform.

Finally, a method of ornamenting a team uniform is provided. That methodcomprises purchasing a kit including a three dimensional image elementhaving a shape selected from a group consisting of a player number, alogo and combinations thereof and securing the three dimensional elementunder an exposed fabric area of the team uniform. Further the methodincludes securing the three dimensional element to a front face of asports pad. In addition the method includes inserting the pad into a padpocket in a team uniform so that the three dimensional image elementprojects an image through the exposed fabric area overlying the pad.

These and other embodiments will be set forth in the description whichfollows, and in part will become apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following description and referenceddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of thespecification, illustrate several aspects of the three dimensional pad,football pants and methods disclosed herein and together with thedescription serve to explain certain principles thereof. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the sports pad including thethree dimensional image element.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the full pad with the threedimensional image element secured to the front face of the pad.

FIG. 3 is a detailed cross sectional view of football pants including apocket holding a pad with a three dimensional image element.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a kit for ornamenting sports clothing ora sports uniform including a three dimensional image element, a fastenerand instructions.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating how a three dimensionalelement may be tapered from an inner area toward an outer edge toenhance the three dimensional image outline it produces in the overlyingexposed fabric area of a sports uniform.

FIGS. 6a-6d illustrate various three dimensional elements for producingdifferent image outlines.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating an image elementincorporating a background sheet which covers ridges or other surfacevariations on a front face of a football pad and effectively preventsthem from interfering with or distorting the desired image that projectsthrough the exposed fabric area covering the image element.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3 that generally illustrate a threedimensional pad 10 for wearing under sports clothing 22 to produce adesired image outline 30 through that sports clothing. As illustrated,the pad 10 includes a body 12 having a front face 14 and a rear face 16.Further the pad includes a three dimensional image element 18 that isconnected to the front face 14 by means of a fastener 20 such as a layerof adhesive or a hook and loop fastener system such as sold under thetrademark VELCRO. The image element 18 may include a three dimensionallogo 19 alone or a combination of logo 19 and background sheet 50 asillustrated that is mounted directly to the front face 14 of the pad 10.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 that generally shows sports clothing 22such as football pants. The football pants 22 include a pocket 24adapted for receiving a pad 10 which is inserted into the pocket throughan open end 26. When the pad 10 is properly inserted into the pocket 24,the three dimensional image element 18 is located directly underneath atight fitting exposed fabric area 28 of the pants. As a result a threedimensional image outline 30 is produced through the exposed fabric areaso as to ornament the sports clothing 22 in a unique and excitingmanner.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 illustrating a kit for ornamentingsports clothing or a sports uniform 22. The kit 40 includes at least onethree dimensional image element 18 and a fastener 20 that is used tosecure the three dimensional image element directly to the sportsuniform or a pad 10 worn under the sports uniform that is to beornamented. As illustrated, the kit 40 includes a sheet of precut numberlogos 19 and an optional background sheet 50 which may be cut into anydesired shape and positioned between the three dimensional logo 19 andthe front face 14 of the pad 10. The background sheet 50 may be madefrom a contrasting color relative to the image element 18 in order tohighlight and embolden the image element. The background sheet 50 mayalso be used to cover ridges and/or other surfaces features of the pad10 in order to prevent them from interfering with the image outline 30formed in the sports uniform by the logo 19 of the image element 18.Further the kit 40 includes a set of instructions 42 detailing how touse the kit and ornament a sports uniform or other clothing.

In any of the various embodiments, the three dimensional image element18 is provided in the shape of a logo such as a team logo or perhaps aparticular player's number. In one possible embodiment the image element18 is tapered outwardly from a central area or inline 44 toward an outeredge or outline 46 so that the central area or inline projects a greaterdistance from the front face 14 of the pad 10 than does the outer edgeor outline (see FIG. 5).

In one embodiment the exposed fabric area 28 of the sports clothing 22is a first color while the three dimensional image element 18 is asecond, different color. The image element 18 may be darker then thefirst color to show through the exposed fabric area, highlight the imageoutline 30, and provide a hologram-like appearance. In one possibleembodiment the front face 14 of the pad 10 is also provided in the firstcolor, matching the color of the exposed fabric area 28. In yet anotherembodiment that first color is white.

The three dimensional image element 18 may be solid, hollow, andoutlined or a combination. For example, to form a “shamrock” logo theshape of the shamrock may be cut out of a 3 mm thick piece of foam. Thecutout shamrock could be pulled from the foam and adhered to a thigh padof football pants. The resulting image outline 30 would appear as asolid shamrock. In addition, the outline of the shamrock that remains inthe foam can then be used to show the image of a shamrock but instead ofit being full, it is an outline of a shamrock or a hollow threedimensional image. Obviously different widths and colors of foam may beutilized to create varying images, shadows and appearances includingcomplex images such as an American flag.

For some images the logo 19 of the three dimensional image element 18 isthe same thickness throughout. However, as previously described, thedepth of the logo 19 may be manipulated to give the image outline 30more or less detail and definition when it projects through the exposedfabric area 28 of the sports clothing 22. For example, while a threedimensional image element 18 of a “O” can be seen as a “O” if the entire“O” is 3 mm thick, forming the inside line L₁ of the “O” slightly higherthan the outside line L₂ to create a sloped face F allows the innercircle of the “O” to show differently and this can give it a differentdetail when it is seen through the clothing or covering (again see FIG.5). Further there are various ways to manipulate an “O” to make itappear differently while ensuring that it is an “O”. For example it canbe made a perfect circle or an oval. It can be made flat versus wavy. Itcan be made using only the outlines of the inside and outside circles.For some images, but not all, the inside lines must be made slightlyhigher than those on the outside in order for the details to showthrough. Also using rounded edges can help give definition. For examplean American flag can be made by rounding the red strips of the flag,omitting the white stripes, making the blue a rectangle with squareedges and adding slightly raised dots for the stars. This is an exampleof how different processes and shaping can be used to form a threedimension image element 18 that provides the desired image outline 30projecting through the exposed fabric area 28 of the sports clothing.

The three dimensional image element 18 may be made from a number ofdifferent materials including, but not limited to foams, high densitysynthetic materials, foam rubbers and plastics. Particularly useful foammaterials include polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam and PVC foam.Regardless of the chemical makeup it is preferred that the foam be a“closed cell” foam. In many instances the three dimensional imageelement 18 is made from the same material as the pad 10 to which it isattached so that it may be used in athletic events without increasingany risk in injury.

As should be appreciated the three dimensional image element 18 may bepunched or cut from a sheet of foam as previously described.Alternatively, the three dimensional image element 18 may be molded in amold. The production operation utilized depends on the material beingformed into an image and the intended use of the image. Logos 19, likecollege logos, mascots or trademarks could be punched or cutout from thefoam. Logos 19 such as single or entwined letters like an “S”, “OU”,“NC”, “ND”, “UK”, “3C”, etc. (see FIGS. 6a and 6b ) show through andproduce the desired image 30 whether they are solid letters, outlinedletters or a combination of both. Logo images 19 such as an eagle andcat's paw may also be easily produced (see FIGS. 6c and 6d ).

At least five “O” images may be made from a punched/cut letter “O”. Thefirst image that could be cut would be a solid “O” that is punched. Theremaining foam from which the punched letter was produced could be usedto show the outline and produce a “hollow” O image. The two “O” shapesremaining from the punched foam (the one on the outside and the smallone on the inside) could then each be traced in their entirety and cutout into two different sized thin O's that could be used together in theproper spacing on the pad to result in a three dimensional “O” outline.

Images or logos 19 formed in molds may be given additional detail incertain areas that is not possible with a simple punching operation. Forexample, molds may help when forming rounded portions, edges andcrevices. This allows the three dimensional image element 18 to producean image outline 30 that is often times significantly more detailed inappearance from a simple punched image. Forming the image in a mold mayhelp give varying depths within the same image so as to make it lookmore realistic and provide a desired hologram-like affect to the imageoutline 30.

It should also be appreciated that the three dimensional image element18 may be made in multiple sizes to fit different sized items. Forexample, a three dimensional image element 18 of an eagle could be 6inches wide to fit across a thigh pad, 4 inches wide to fit on a hipguard or 3 inches wide to fit on a tail bone pad. Obviously, they canalso be made of different colors depending on the desired effect. Only aportion of the entire three dimensional image element 18 may include oneor more colors to enhance the image as it projects or appears throughthe exposed fabric area 28 overlying the image element 18.

In the previously discussed embodiments the three dimensional imageelement 18 may be secured or attached directly to a front face of a pad10. In one possible embodiment the three dimensional element 18 includesa background sheet 50 (see FIG. 7). Such an embodiment may be positionedin a pad pocket 24 between the pad 10 and the overlying exposed fabricarea. Where the exposed fabric area is stretched tight, friction isprovided to secure the three dimensional element 18 and the backgroundsheet 50 in position on the face 14 of the pad 10. In such a situationthe provision of an additional fastener such as an adhesive layer orhook and loop fasteners may not be necessary.

Many times pads 10 include an uneven front face including ridges R,indentations I or other features. In these situations, the backgroundsheet 50 “smooths” the appearance of the front face 14 thereby allowingthe three dimensional logo 19 of the image element 18 to produce aclearer and sharper image outline 30 through the exposed fabric area 28than would be possible if the background sheet were not used. In thissituation it is often helpful to have the background sheet 50 cut to thesize and shape necessary to cover the ridges or other surface featuresof the pad to provide a smooth background which will not interfere withthe three dimensional image 30 desired to be produced by the logo 19.Further, where color is used as a feature of the element 18, thebackground sheet 50 may, for example, be made the same color as theoverlying exposed fabric area 28 while the logo 19 includes one or morecontrasting colors. In one particularly useful embodiment, thebackground sheet 50 is white in color to match football pants while theimage logo 19 is a relatively dark, contrasting color which will showthrough the overlying exposed fabric area 28 to enhance the producedimage 30. The contrasting color may be a traditional school or sportsfranchise color if desired. In another possible embodiment, the logo 19of the image element 18 may be made from a color (e.g. white) thatmatches the overlying uniform while the background sheet 50 is made froma darker, contrasting color to outline the resulting image 30.

In accordance with additional aspects, a method is provided forpromoting a sports team. That method may be broadly described ascomprising the steps of wearing a pad 10 with a three dimensional imageelement 18 under sports clothing 22 of the sports team, producing athree dimensional image 30 projecting through a an exposed fabric area28 of the sports clothing overlying the pad and providing that image ina shape of a logo such as a team logo or player number. In anotherpossible embodiment the method includes using the exposed fabric area ofthe sports clothing 22 having a first color and the three dimensionalelement 18 having a second color that is darker than the first color andshows through the exposed fabric area.

In accordance with yet another aspect a method is provided forornamenting or embellishing a sports team uniform. That method compriseswearing a pad 10 with a three dimensional image element 18 under thesports team uniform 22 and producing a three dimensional image 30projecting through an exposed fabric area 28 of the sports team uniformoverlying the pad. The method includes providing the image element 18 ina shape of a logo such as a team logo or even a player number.

Still further a method of ornamenting a team uniform is provided. Thatmethod comprises purchasing a kit 40 including a three dimensional imageelement 18 having a shape selected from a group consisting of a playernumber, a logo and a combination thereof and then securing that threedimensional element under the exposed fabric area 28 of the team uniform22. This may include securing the three dimensional element 18 to afront face 14 of a sports pad 10 and inserting that pad into a padpocket 24 in the team uniform so that the three dimensional elementprojects an image through the exposed fabric area 28 overlying the pad.In one possible embodiment the kit 40 may include a sheet of materialfrom which a user may cut an image element including one of his owncreation if desired. Such a kit may also include a cutting instrument ifdesired.

In summary, numerous benefits resolve from employing the threedimensional pad and methods described herein. Specifically, a threedimensional image element 18 may be affixed to any football pad, whetherit is a knee pad, thigh pad, hip pad, tailbone pad, forearm pad, shinguard, shoulder pad, hand pad or any other pad used in football oranother sport. Once the three dimensional image element 18 is affixedand covered by an exposed fabric area 28 of tight fitting sportsclothing 22, an image outline 30 shows through the exposed fabric areaalmost giving the appearance of a hologram. In this way it is possibleto ornament the sports clothing creating a very interesting and excitingeffect that promotes the team and inspires players and fans alike.Significantly, the image element 18 is provided behind an overlyingexposed fabric area 28 of a single color. It is not provided behind anexposed fabric area 28 including a design or complex image as anymisalignment between the image element 18 and the design or compleximage on the fabric 28 can distort the final viewer image leading to anundesired and unattractive result. Further, the most useful embodimentsinclude an image element 18 that is removable from the pad 10 to allowthe image to be changed. Further, the pad 10, including the imageelement 18 is removable from a pad pocket in the uniform to better allowcleaning of the uniform and image changes.

The three dimensional image element may take substantially any suitableform including, but not limited to, a team logo and a player number. Bychanging the three dimensional image element from game to game, it ispossible to provide image outlines 30 to celebrate different occasions.For example, for a game honoring our service men and women, the threedimensional image element may take the form of an American flag. For agame the following week the three dimensional image element may take theform of the team logo. For a game the week after that the threedimensional image element may take the form of a player number. Thisnumber could be the actual number of the player wearing the imageelement 18. Alternatively, it could be the number of a current or formerplayer who is being honored in some manner such as for a celebration tohonor an all-star player whose number is currently being retired. Infact, by changing the three dimensional image element from game to gameand week to week it is possible to ornament the sports team uniform in avirtually infinite number of different and exciting ways that will beanticipated and looked forward to by fans and players alike.

The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example,while this document has focused primarily upon the enhancement andornamentation of football pads and football sports uniforms, othersports uniforms may be enhanced in the same way. Volleyball players mayuse the three dimensional image elements 18 to ornament knee pads andelbow pads. Similarly, soccer players may utilize the three dimensionalimage elements to ornament shin guards. The term “pads” is also to bebroad in scope so as to include sport sleeves, elastic knee supports andother such devices used in substantially any sport. In effect any sportsteam in any sport may be able to utilize the three dimensional imageelements to enhance and ornament the team uniform. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claimswhen interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they arefairly, legally and equitably entitled.

1. A pad system for wearing under sports clothing to produce an imagethrough the sports clothing, the pad system comprising: a removable padincluding a body having a front face including a fastener positionedthereon, and a rear face configured to, in use, face a body part of awearer, the rear face positioned on the opposite side of the removablepad from the front face; and a three dimensional image elementreleasably secured to the fastener of the front face of the body, thethree dimensional element including a back side releasably secured tothe fastener, and a front side extending outwardly from the front faceof the removable pad; whereby, when said removable pad is positionedunderneath an exposed fabric area of the sports clothing, the front sideof the three dimensional image element deflects the exposed fabric areaoutwardly to project an image outline through the exposed fabric area.2. The pad system of claim 1, wherein the three dimensional imageelement is in a shape of a number.
 3. The pad system of claim 1, whereinthe three dimensional image element is in a shape of a logo.
 4. The padsystem of claim 1, wherein the front side of the three dimensional imageelement is tapered outwardly from a central area toward an outer edge sothat the central area projects a greater distance from said front faceof the body than does the outer edge.
 5. The pad system of claim 1,wherein the back side of the three dimensional image element includes abackground sheet.
 6. A football pants system, comprising: a pants bodyincluding a pocket for receiving a football pad; a removable footballpad, the removable football pad including a pad body having a front faceincluding a fastener positioned thereon, and a rear face configured to,in use, face a body part of a wearer; and a three dimensional imageelement releasably secured to the front face, the three dimensionalelement including a back side releasably secured to the fastener, and afront side extending outwardly from the front face of the removablefootball pad; wherein the removable football pad is positioned in thepocket underneath an exposed fabric area of the pants body such that thefront side of the three dimensional image element deflects the exposedfabric area outwardly to project an image outline through the exposedfabric area.
 7. The football pants system of claim 6, wherein the threedimensional image element is in a shape of a number.
 8. The footballpants system of claim 6, wherein the three dimensional image element isin a shape of a logo.
 9. The football pants system of claim 6, whereinthe front side of the three dimensional image element is taperedoutwardly from a central area toward an outer edge so that the centralarea projects a greater distance from the front face of said body thandoes said outer edge.
 10. The football pants system of claim 6 whereinthe back side of the three dimensional image element includes abackground sheet.
 11. The football pants system of claim 6, wherein thepocket is open at one end to allow the football pad to be inserted andremoved from the pocket.
 12. The football pants system of claim 6,wherein the exposed fabric area is a first color and the front face ofthe three dimensional image element is a second, different color that isdarker than the first color and shows through said exposed fabric area.13. (canceled)
 14. The football pants system of claim 12, wherein thefirst color is white.
 15. The football pants system of claim 10, whereinthe exposed fabric area and the background sheet are a first color andthe front face of the three dimensional image element is a second,different color that is darker than said first color and shows throughsaid exposed fabric area.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. A method ofornamenting a sports team uniform, comprising: attaching a threedimensional image element to a fastener on a front face of a removablepad, the three dimensional image element including a front sideextending outwardly from the front face of the removable pad; wearingthe removable pad, with the three dimensional image element attachedthereto, under an exposed fabric area of a sports team uniform body suchthat the front side of the three dimensional image element deflects theexposed fabric area outwardly to project an image outline through theexposed fabric area of the sports team uniform body overlying theremovable pad.
 19. The method of claim 18, including providing the imageelement in a shape of a logo.
 20. The method of claim 18, includingproviding the image element in a shape of a player number. 21.(canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. The systemof claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises an adhesive fastener.
 26. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and loopfastener.
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)31. The method of claim 18, wherein wearing the removable pad comprisesinserting the removable pad into a pocket formed into the sports teamuniform body.